DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 201 



behind, and your sling is complete. The cross- 

 pieces should be well padded to prevent chafing. 

 When the animal is put into the sling, then the 

 fractured parts require to be kept in their places. 

 This is done by splints and bandages. Take long- 

 strips of muslin about four inches in width and put 

 them in starch and wrap them several times 

 around the part, then apply the splints, which can 

 be made of pieces of wood, hard leather, or gutta 

 percha. Then roll a starched bandage around the 

 splints to keep them in their places. Some use the 

 plaster of paris bandages, which are useful. If 

 an animal gets its leg fractured in the pastern and 

 cannot be taken to the stable, I have had good suc- 

 cess by applying the starched bandages and using 

 splints, without putting the animal in slings. 

 Block tin made to fit the part is very useful for this 

 purpose, as it is light and easily kept in its place. 

 Animals may be very lame for a long time after the 

 fracture has united, but if no joint is involved re- 

 covery will gradually take place. 



Symptoms of fracture: When the leg is the 

 part fractured there is sudden and great lameness, 

 with more or less deformity, and the animal is 

 unable to bear weight upon that leg. By applying 

 the ear to the part and moving the limb a crepitat- 

 ing sound will be heard. If it is a simple fracture, 

 without the soft parts being injured, it is advisable 

 to try treatment. On the other hand, if the soft 

 parts are wounded and the animal not of much 

 value, the wisest plan is to put it out of pain. If 

 the animal is a valuable mare or stallion treat- 



